1986 1 oz Silver Eagle NGC MS69

1986 was the first year that the US Mint entered into the bullion coin business. Buoyed by the success of South Africa in 1967, Canada in 1979, and China in 1982,  in selling Troy Ounce gold and silver bullion coins, the United States entered into the fray. 

The demand for the inaugural year of the American Silver Eagle bullion coins exceeded expectations. The coins initially sold for significant premiums due to the lack of supply and strong demand.  

Not only were the uncertified coins direct from the US Mint in strong demand by collectors and investors, but as the major, independent, third-party grading services gained in popularity, it took a few years as the new American Silver Eagle bullion coins were also being sent in for certification and grading. This evolution allowed certified coins to be purchased by novice collectors and investors who could rely on the grading services to render the accurate grade on the coins. 

The US Mint decided to capitalize on a time-tested design that was enjoyed by collectors and investors. The obverse of this first year of issue American Silver Eagle bullion coin was an excellent copy of Adolph Weinman’s Walking Liberty design. 

The coin depicted Miss Liberty, walking to the left, her right hand outstretched as a friendly gesture, a radiant rising sun is behind her. 

Her left arm cradled olive branches signifying that America was interested in a peaceful existence. Remember that this coin was first struck on half dollar circulating coins from 1916 through 1947. 

World War I was raging through Europe, but the US had not yet entered the conflict. Hence, the symbols of peace dominated the coinage at that time.  

On the obverse, Miss Liberty was adorned in flowing robes and an American flag. Above her is the word “LIBERTY,”  with “IN GOD WE TRUST,” in the open field on the right side and the date is on the bottom periphery. 

The reverse of this coin depicts a heraldic eagle, with 13 five-pointed stars above. The mottoes “UNITED STATES OF AMRTICA,” and “1 OZ.  FINE SILVER – ONE DOLLAR,” complete the design.   

This coin is graded as MS69 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). NGC is a major, independent, third-party grading service company. The MS69 grade means that the condition is 1 point away from perfection.  

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